As I stood from the chair I looked towards towards Bryce. They were taller than they looked when I was sitting down... I tossed down the unshackled chains and followed them from the room. Every city had some version of sewers. If left alone for long enough, they become like miniature ruins or dungeons, taken over by the local monsters. Or some seedy bandit group. Of course, from what Ribs had said these were likely 'the Wicked Jesters', the adventuring guild.

I could hear the constant sound of running water as most pathways had a small river running through it. The dripping of pipes, the scurrying of rats as we enter different tunnels. Every now and then the tunnel would transition to a wider alcove. I was brought into one such alcove with wine barrels.

"This should be more comfortable. At least, as comfortable as this place gets.", The small room had a table with a few chairs. Gems were held aloft in sconces along the walls, some slightly flickered from damage. The green hue reflected off the water creating a rippling pattern on the walls. Joyce took a seat and referenced the seat across from her. Bryce just stood in a corner and folded their arms stoically.

"This is red wine, it's essentially all we drink. Those of us who get any work done that is.", Joyce said as she took a clay pitcher and held it under a barrels tap. "By red I mean you assume-", "Yes.", After the pitcher had a fair amount she began to fill the cups with it. "We find that when you add some wine it makes the high less intense." she hands me the cup.

Drinking blood has given me a strange feeling before. It's intense at first, like a gripping force pulling me into the act of drinking, but then afterwards I wanted to laze around. "Can we get drunk?" I asked. I'm not an alcoholic, but it'd be nice if it was on the table. Would I still get hangovers, that was a better question. Joyce shook her head; "We can, sort of. But not off this. Try it." I drink it, the taste of wine is there, bitter and cheap of course, alongside the familiar flavor of old blood.

If I compared it to when I was human, it'd be like someone dipped a fresh grilled ribeye in their wine. There's no real comparison, but that's as close as I can describe it. It doesn't exactly sound appetizing but it is. I leisurely sip from the cup. "It almost tricks me into thinking I'm drinking something normal.", Joyce raised her eyebrows in surprise "Huh, you don't get that look in your eyes.", "Look?", I asked.

She drank her cup, and immediately her pupils dilated. After she finished she placed her cup gently on the table, taking a deep breath. "Like a kitten with a raw cut of meat.", she let her breath out. I laugh at that. "Is that what's normal?", she nodded, "Blood brings out powerful instincts in vampires. I mean if you get hungry enough you'll even lose control.", I flinch- "You don't say..." it didn't feel that way to me, only when I was next to starving.

"Where do you get it?" I asked after an awkward silence. "We have human members." -now that surprised me, did Ribs mention anything about humans working with them? "And they're in on this whole thing? How do you keep it a secret?", she poured us some more.

"-They know. And they could. Something like vampirism could be expensive information to a rich noble. But they don't sell it.", "That's what I'm saying. What stops them?", "-Our guilds reputation for one. We're on the bottom rung of society, or so it appears. We're the inbetweeners, the thin line between legal and illegal. We're that 'sewer guild' every town has, it's dangerous to even say our name in certain circumstances.".

"So this gig... it's a life sentence? To keep a secret like that... Oof.", "Only a life sentence in a half-sense- they can go anywhere. We're not cultish about it. If it was fear alone that kept them in check, the council would know what we are by now. No, it's more than that." she gripped her cup. "I don't want to get overly sappy about it. It takes time to understand.", "I don't mind things like that, what, is your group a 'little family' or something?" I smile jokingly, she rolled her eyes at me "It makes it hard to believe your story, you know. With how 'cheery' you are after all that.", with everything that happened?

I've exhausted myself going over it so much in my mind. "Yeah... I've always been like that. Is it annoying? Sorry. Something goes wrong and I'm making jokes. I can't help it, it's a weird impulse I have.", "No -no, it works great. You bounce back. That's good. You'll fit in around here." she toasts and drinks. "So the humans don't sell you out?" I asked.

"Yeah, -no. They don't.", she scratched the top of her head with a single finger. "I mean think about it, what reason do they have to? It's not like we don't have the ability to setup shop in the middle of town and rub shoulders with the elites. We could. -Bryces mother is on the council!" she motioned at Bryce with her cup. They look away sheepishly.

"It's just not where you find the reliable people.", "They seem to manage an entire city reliably.", I casually sip my drink. Joyce suddenly leaned forward "-That's what it would seem like! But that's because they keep their dirt out of sight. People don't know about it until they're in it themselves. They are reliable, but not in the sense that our organization finds useful. Not how they should be. Like you say- they sell you out. The people don't here. -Watch, you'll meet them. They could hate your guts, but they won't talk about you to anyone else. There's a sort of 'bare minimum' respect people are afforded around here. Now don't get me wrong- the outcasts have their flaws. They're unreliable in terms of schedule, work ethic, practical skills-.", "Can I rethink my choice to join?", Joyce ignored me and kept talking.

"-My point is -they're loyal. They've been through the wringer. These people were meant to be societies canary in a coal mine. Our leaders too afraid to confront the fire now, leave us to deal with an inferno later. It's a crime -it's idiotic. By the time we show up to recruit them- they're already on our side. They're just looking for anybody at that point. At least it's us. Not some bandits or a cult. At least we give them a code, a purpose, and a group of people who think like they do. We understand what they've been through and respect them for having survived it.", "I bet you half of them are criminals.", "And you'd win that bet. But it could be worse. Without us." she points a thumb proudly at herself. "There'll always be these people and ignoring them won't make them go away.", "So that's your 'in' with humans? I guess it is cheap to bet on the underdog.",

"There's many reasons. I mean, we work with the criminals and weirdos because someone has to. Someone has to play intermediary. It's a natural position, if people like us aren't here- it creates a void that pulls others in."

"For example, how did you end up here? It's not like you chose Grema to be invaded. It's how it always happens, over centuries. Back and forth. It's like we're the wall that truly keeps everything from slipping into chaos. It's definitely not a glamorous position, but again, someone has to do it.", "I definitely didn't ask for this...", "No one would. It doesn't smell as nice down here. But at least there's a magic here. Something more real.", she leaned back in her chair, inhaling deeply.

"Why 'Wicked Jesters'?", she gets excited to explain something else- "That ties in nicely with the whole 'outcasts banding together' thing! We're like the kings fool -you've heard stories of kings right? We criticize the 'king' just enough so that we get our point across but also don't get executed. The wicked part is meant to intimidate people.", she nods a bit "We're all about maintaing balance here come to think of it.",

"So no human has ever sold you out, really? How old is this place?", "Old. Older than me, and I'm older than I- don't give me that look. I told you, the cities administration turned their backs on them. They just want a leader who won't do the same. It's loyalty. We don't give them a reason to. That's it. That's the only currency the Wicked Jesters deal in.", I shake my head "Well, it must be working for you somehow. Maybe you're right and it just takes time to understand.",

"That's fine. Take your time, but we're going to need you to do some work while you figure it out.", "And you said your system was different." she laughed. "In ways, any system requires money to work. Until we can see what you can do, and we'll start you off simple. Kill some rats, clear some blockages, other sewer jobs to get your started.", "Alright, sounds easy enough.", "And right about now, we should probably show you around a bit.", We stood up from the chairs.

"So this wine is free use? Just come by anytime?", "Yes -don't want anyone going feral. Probably the most crucial resource here, can't really say our way of doing things is better if we go feral and rip out peoples throats.", she said that too casually. "This way." she waved for me to follow.

"What about the grates?" I asked, pointing to the bit of sunlight that shone through steel bars in the ceiling. Every hundred yards or so there was one. "The way sound travels down here it's hardly a problem, the sewers trap most of it. Also they're enchanted." We travel down a few more tunnels until the path grew wider into an alcove.

"This is where we house the other grunts, for now this is where you'll stay." she says, standing next to a narrow entrance. Each section of tunnel had a barred gate placed after so far. After this gate there were rows of circular doors that each seemed to led to cramped room inside. It would be difficult to stand in them. Each one had a bed- just a wooden box filled with straw and a quilt thrown over it.

"I thought vampires didn't sleep.", Joyce scoffed; "We don't but resting is still a thing -gods you're green. Sometimes you'll need to heal, a space to be in-between missions... Some are humans. I mean, need I explain further?.", yes, I wanted to say. But I didn't want to have the 'sex' talk when it came to vampires. Not yet at least, there were bigger issues to worry about, than whether or not I could get drunk or have sex still.

"How do I find my way around this place? It's a maze." I asked. "Get lost until you figure it out." she shrugged moving from the entrance to the barracks. I followed her, Bryce followed me. After a few city blocks worth of tunnels we come to another alcove, though this room was too large to really consider an alcove.

It was full of tables and chairs. Wooden booths lined the walls, a second story balcony was built out of rickety wood. In the center there was a circular counter with barrels stored beneath. A bartender walked around wiping things down with a cloth. It's an underground tavern, every guild had one. This room was actually lit with fires so rather than the dreary green hue it had a pleasant warm yellow of firelight.

"This is the tavern." she said not stopping, just waving at me to keep going.

There were at least a dozen people in there, talking, playing cards and throwing daggers at boards with bullseyes. I was trying to build a mental map of which paths we take but so many of the tunnels looked identical. Dark stone. Moss, dirt and mold pushed up through the edges of the bricks- giving them a tint of green.

The sewers were really the only choice for a vampire adventuring guild, come to think of it. They could get things done here, travel around the city and not have to worry about the daylight. "And this is the final room you need to know about for now." she said walking over to a giant circular wooden door.

It was mostly opened, showing the well lit open space within, the largest space yet.

Several times larger than the tavern room. I saw wooden mannequins holding wooden weapons and shields. Monkey bars and obstacles. People were currently training, bodies blurred as they dodged and hit. A training room.

A muscular man stood instructing a few pairs that were sparring. "Alright, this ends our tour. Come find me if you have any questions." she said, slapping my back. Huh? Training, right now?

This place has a tavern and a training room- is that really all I need to know? I guess I haven't had to use a bathroom since I turned. But I was just being interrogated as a hostage a second ago, couldn't they of eased me into it a bit more? I looked around for Joyce or Bryce but she was gone. "Hey- kid!" I hear someone say, I turn to see the face of the muscular man.

He looked older, grey sideburns that transitioned to a beard with no mustache. His hair long was tied into a ponytail. He spoke fast. "Are you the newbie? What am I saying- it's not like you're lost!", he walked over and put his hands on my shoulders. "-I'm one of the instructors! I'm Brandon, my enemies call me Brand. Your arms are way stronger than the rest of ya', did you know that?" he started pushing me towards the center of the chamber. "Uh, mister-", he ignores me just keeps going-

"At your age it'll be easy to even that out. Hell- a man doesn't really get his shoulders until he's 30! You're practically a pup! Humphrey!" he shouted. "Sup' Brand?", a round individual asked. He stepped away from a tree trunk wrapped in rope. He was just punching it, hard. "Fight this guy." Brandon said, jabbing me with a meaty finger.

"Will do." Humphrey said, pounding his fists together. I could feel the force of it from here. "What- fight? Shouldn't I learn some kicks or something?", "Who needs to learn to kick?" Jack and Humphrey laugh. I could hear the activity in the training rooms quiet somewhat. "Uh..." I begin to think. I was in the middle of a rectangular sand bit. Just as I was about to speak, the air was knocked out of me. A fist sent me flying.

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I didn't expect a chunky guy to move like that. 'thud' I land hard on my back. "Wait!" I say as I get up. "RIGHT FIST!" Humphrey shouted hitting me in the ribs- I lift off the ground for a second.

My ribs crackle as they heal from the impact. "LEFT FOOT!" before I could react he stomps at my knee snapping it into the wrong direction, which also began to pop back into place a half-moment after he kicked it.

This wasn't a sparring match, this was a beating. "DODGE TO THE RIGHT!" he plants a heavy foot down and leans towards my side. I bring my hands up to defend. "KICK TWO TIMES!" *thud-thud* his foreleg blurred back and forth as too blows in rapid succession. First kick broke my ribs, the kick after blew the fragments into my guts.

'Bleh' I cough up blood and clutched my side.

I grit my teeth in anger, Humphrey danced backwards bouncing on his feet in a way that defied gravity. "Are you a pacifist or somethin'?" I hear Brandon call out from the sidelines.

The other people training formed a semi-circle around us. My body was rapidly healing trying to keep up with the damage it was taking. I stood up straight adopting a fighting stance.

Then Humphrey stepped in again, a blur. "LEFT PUNCH!" he said throwing a left punch at my face. I kneel low and deliver a mid jab. His fat jiggles and there's a "thwap!" sound but he seems unaffected.

He carried through with his left hook. He misses but swept behind me and put me in a chokehold.

The pressure was building quickly, was he trying to get me to tap out? I grabbed at his arm, and with my other hand I closed a fist tightly. It began to glow an orange light, revealing veins and bone as it shone through. I was about to do something I would never do if I were human.

Brandon started shouting something from the sidelines, my vision was pulsing and I couldn't hear it. My spine was about to crack, I could feel it. I threw the glowing fist into the Humphreys side.

I imagined my fist the same way I imagined my hammer when I used the same technique. Channeling the magical essence into the very point of the impact and exploding out the moment it makes contact.

Just as my knuckles touch his side 'Boom!' my hand explodes sending me and Humphrey flying in opposite directions. There is a collective "OH!" from the crowd. 'That didn't work the way I expected'- I thought as I twirled sideways through the air. I land head first into a wall 'crack' and fell into a twisted pile. My back broke anyways.

Humphrey landed on his feet, sliding away from the point of impact. He hit the wall, but lightly. He just stood starring at his chest. Where I punched him a sizeable chunk of flesh was missing, the edges of white ribs poking through torn flesh. "Well that's a first." Brandon had said.

My hand sort of ached. I brought my hand up to my vision and from the elbow onward it was gone. My mouth dropped agape. I knew there'd be some damage but... I'm sure it'll grow back.

Maybe my flesh didn't hold up against the ability like a iron hammerhead would but at least vampires could regenerate. That was my idea. I thought it would win me some respect but judging by the looks of the people in the room it did the opposite.

Brandon was looking down at me, "I think I speak for all of us when I say that is a terrible move. Next time, just take a loss like a man." he said firmly. Humphrey limped over to the side, his red flesh slowly knitting itself. "Rookie fights like a punk." he said. Thin strands of muscle stood up by themselves and started reaching across the gaping wound pulling itself back together.

Meanwhile my stub was pulsating, slowly regurgitating more flesh from the center. The sensation was disturbing to say the least. If I could throw up I would. It wasn't my only wound either.

I took a big knock on the head and that bled pretty bad. I broke a lot of bones in that. Brandon looked about the room for a moment, and everyone went back to training. He nodded in someones direction. "Drag this sorry ass back to the barracks.", I grown, spitting some of the brackish green blood from my mouth.

I feel an arm scoop me up and start dragging. "I'm Khazir, I started recently too. Was that a reinforcement technique? On your own flesh? Vampires always think they're invincible." the person talked the entire time as they dragged me through the tunnels. My body was slowly healing but lots of the damage was internal. I felt my insides squirming around. What the hell was I?

"Anyway here we are, I say this is a good bunk as any. Next time I suggest using like fighting techniques or something. I'll bring back some your starter kit." he dropped me onto the box of straw and left. I groaned. My body throbbed with pain, I could feel my heartbeat in my ears.

A crackling sound could be heard in the silent room. It seemed the gem lights were triggered by motion, as eventually it turned off as I laid there. Until Khazir returned with a pile of leather armor and clothing. He tossed me a wineskin.

"You look better already." he said dropping the clothing in the corner next to a bucket of water.

"Every newbie gets their first set free, after these you'll have to buy your own. -You know, a little advice- I see a lot of vampires complain about having to replace gear because they don't fight like humans. Fight like you're mortal and you'll save money. Trust me." he stood for a moment, waiting for conversation but eventually too the hint.

He gave a wave and left. I didn't feel like talking. The pain was enough to think about.

All that talk about politics with Joyce dropped my guard, but here I was, covered in blood yet again. I should've expected no different. Though I did think I'd hold my own better- I mean up to this point I've felt stronger than I ever needed to be. Against the troll, the wolves, those fights I took my fair share of damage- but I won.

Other vampires are on another level. Sure, I was likely every bit as strong as Humphrey- perhaps even a bit more so. But the way he moved- he knew how to fight. Right now, it feels as though my body moves faster than my brain can keep up. But he had no trouble with that.

I'd probably hit the training hall and try moving a bit. Get used to it. It just took time, I'm sure. Though I didn't make a great first impression. What did I care? I didn't choose to join, it's just the best path forward at the moment. As soon as I get the chance I'm out of here.

A little piece of bone is emerging from the center of my stub. Growing back. "Fucking gross."

---

"Damn it! Son of a bitch! Idiots!" he was shouting at an empty chair in an empty cell. A few peacekeepers had a downcast expression. He escaped. Chlorus couldn't believe it.

Every guard between Jarrath and his escape were knocked unconscious. After all the instruction, all of the warnings Chlorus gave, the city guard still didn't take this threat seriously! The vampires were likely already in the city, he warned them! This is how they operate- subversion and invasion! Why would they want Jarrath? Think.

He was turned recently, it must have something to do with the manor in which he was turned. Why was he turned? The skeleton he spoke of, it was on a mission to turn humans into vampires.

Did Jarrath say why? Likely domination of a continent. Vampires loved to create their own little countries. There are likely multiple factions at play here. Jarrath is a sentimental sap. He may return to his father no matter what this new outfit tells him, Chlorus would send someone to catch him when he does.

The sewers- he would makes should to check them himself this time.

Chlorus left the cell and started walking out of the jail briskly. Step one- survey possible traitors, he'd continue to ask loaded questions to the affluent locals. None have turned up yet. Jarrath- he was a good kid but vampirism changes people. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

In time all vampires end up losing themselves. Chlorus felt sorry for him, for what it counted. They planned on keeping him alive as a test subject for his organization, his life wouldn't of been too terrible. His life in captivity would be humane, but captivity was captivity.

Word has been sent to the Proletariat, they'll be sending reinforcements and pulling their strings within the country to get a military force gathered no doubt. It may take a month or so until any men get here however, so Chlorus would make sure the cities defenses could hold until then.

Unlike Grema, this city trains warriors. It would be much more difficult to take. He walked down city streets, wider than in Grema. Room for rows of soldiers and barricades. The buildings were more wooden than stone, built from the grey dead wood surrounding the city.

At night, rats would run along the gutters and the lines of rope that span building balconies. It was a dreary city, in a dreary forest, but the people here were hard, and tolerated very little nonsense. The sun often had to fight to pierce the thick fog that enveloped the city before and after midday. That isn't to say there was no life or color, there were some gardens that the city and it's denizens maintained. The occasional fern or tree would decorate the city, a box of flowers may hang outside a window. Weeds sprout up in-between the cobblestone.

Chlorus steps into his apartment building, it has a victorian aesthetic. He pushed through the door and like clockwork a young boy ran up to him and starred up at him. "Ranger! You're back! Did you find them?", he practically shouted at him in excitement. Ranger was what many of the towns denizens have opted to call him, a sort of impromptu 'rank' given to wanderers with military experience.

What he really was, was an agent of the proletariat, he was closer to a spy than a ranger. But the title made the town guard listen to him somewhat. "No, but I will. You do your part here by making sure your aunt is okay. Remember what I said about them?" Chlorus said as he ruffled his hair. "Silver, garlic, sunlight!" the boy said holding up a silver coin that Chlorus gave him.

Chlorus laughed- "and?", the boy looked around in thought. "Uhm...", a women walked up behind him. She wore an apron and had been cleaning the room, a young women in her early twenties with auburn hair. "Remember? It's the same thing you hate." she said laughing. "Oh, baths!"

"That's right- if you're ever faced with a vampire, don't ever try to fight it with your fists. Run away and set traps. Think." Chlorus said tapping the side of his brow.

"I'm so good with my fists though! See!" the boy gave a few punches and a clumsy kick which almost makes him fall over. The maid laughs and steadies him "Easy soldier, why don't you fight the weeds outback?", he pouts "But they always come back.", "Because you always leave the roots." she squeezed him and sent him to the backyard. Brian stomps off picking up a wooden sword from a bin as he leaves.

"How's things Candance?" Chlorus asked.

The women sighed, "Well business is slow, everyone who comes to town leaves right away- you know with everything that's going on... It's difficult.", he nods, "You'll be missing this peace once the army gets here. You'll have more business than you can handle- make sure to take advantage." once they get here it's not like they'll have any choice but to pay her what she asks for room and board. War is hell but it pays well. To the survivors at least.

"I'll take your word for it...", she seemed like she was about to say something else. She looked around the room avoiding eye contact for awhile. Chlorus was about to awkwardly walk away then she said; "Hey... Do you think we'll be attacked? Like, should we be here?".

Chlorus swallowed hard, he wanted to tell her the truth, but telling one person would get others to notice and before long there would be a panic to leave the city. It would hamper it's defense. The best scenario required everyone to go about their lives and provide the services the army needs.

Like keeping an inn ready for use. And it could be fine, it likely won't be, but there's a chance that the defense holds until reinforcements arrive.

"You want my expert opinion? It's better that you stay, consistency is a huge part about maintaining a successful business, you can't cut and run at the second of trouble now could you? ...Everything will be fine, your city is full of capable warriors." it was as close to the truth as Chlorus was willing to say. Candance seemed relieved.

"Okay, okay. Thanks. This whole situation just has peoples nerves on edge. The florist down the street has already packed up and is leaving tomorrow.", that's fine with Chlorus. So long as it isn't the fletcher, he needed hundreds of bolts custom made. He puts a gentle hand on her arm.

"Don't worry," he smiled, "-you got Brian to protect you.", she looks over her shoulder to see a little boy hacking weeds through the window behind her. "That I do." a bee suddenly emerged from one of the weeds causing him to fall back. Candance chuckled.

Chlorus is used to dealing with the locals, they're not worldly people so they believe their corner of peace is untouchable. But the truth is the world can hit, and it can hit you hard. He stepped up the stairs of the inn until he reached his room. This apartment wasn't like the inns adventurers used.

Inns were a built for a very brief stay after all. These rooms were properly furnished- similar to an actual home. The shutters on his windows were half closed leaving bars of gold light on the floor and walls. A desk sat in the center of the room, after he had moved it from the corner.

It's a dresser, really. But he needed a place to write his letters and tinker with his gadgets. Which were sprawled across the surface. Bits of crossbow, spools of wire and little round bombs. Vials of substances and potions. He sat in the padded chair and kicked his feet up onto it. He could run around like a chicken with his head off trying to find Jarrath. But he was fairly certain where Jarrath was.

Jarrath was still in the city- his father was here, that meant he was either in the sewers, an abandoned building, or some business that acted as a front for these vampires.

All possibilities he would explore tomorrow, for now he had to consider things. In his profession it was useful that every now and then despite the fact that you had things to do- to stop anyways. To think, and feel, to sit alone with your thoughts and unwind. It's important as anything else.

He lit a match using the end of his shoe and lit a long wooden pipe. He would write that letter. It was a good time. Pulling a piece of parchment out of a dresser cupboard he began to write-

'Brother Preston,

I've written the quartermaster about what must be done in Ceres. But I fear that what is going on here is more dire than we thought. There are other vampire factions at play here, they don't seem to be acting as one. If we act quickly, we just may be able to end this war earlier than projected. Play off their feud. A boy named Jarrath, a blacksmiths son out of Grema- he was human when I first saw him, and now is a fledgling- no ghoul. He spoke of a skeletal minion that used a vial to change him, and he is not a good liar in any aspect... I find his story believable. Though his story does not align with our current understanding of how the vampire threat is propagated. The ancient fungal colonies are not the only source. There is a conspiracy to be unearthed here, I'm certain. You know how I am about my instincts. I'm hoping that the favor you promised during our time at the academy still holds up. Because I'm calling on it, I need more resources. I can't do this as a lone agent. You said you had a way to transport aid quickly in emergencies, whatever manor of magics it is, I would make use of it. There is an agent I met in service whose individual talents would do a world of good here in Ceres. Please, send him. His name is Kevin Crowley. If you do this for me it will be I who owes you a favor. Until next we meet-',

your friend, Chlorus.'

Chlorus uncorked a bottle from his side and held the letter over it. Smoke rose from it gradually obscuring the writing until it looked smudged and ruined. He folded it into an envelope and stamped it with a brand. He would send this tomorrow. Hopefully the town courier wasn't too over burdened with out-going messages. Chlorus walked over to the half-closed shutters puffing on his pipe. "Jarrath Constelle, where are you now?" he asked no one and gazed out the window into the town.

---

Jarrath sneezed.